Courts in GCQ areas open for urgent matters starting May 4

Courts in areas that will be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) will be open with skeletal staff only for urgent matters starting May 4, the Supreme Court said.

In an administrative circular, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said courts will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. but that night courts and Saturday courts will remain suspended until May 15.

Peralta said judges and court staff who are more than 59 years old and those with medical conditions making them vulnerable to COVID-19 may go to the courts to act on urgent matters "in exceptional circumstances."

Otherwise, they are to work from home, but "no court records may be taken out of the court," the chief justice said.

He also encouraged younger lawyers, if available, to be sent to hearings on urgent matters, but those aged over 59 may attend, except "those suffering from any illness, or those who appear sickly and weak."

Cases and pleadings may be filed and bail may be posted online until May 15, and filings that are due up to May 15 in GCQ areas are extended for 30 calendar days from May 16 but may be filed online within the original deadline.

Court actions are also extended for 30 calendar days from May 16, except actions on urgent matters, the circular states. Decisions and orders during the GCQ may be promulgated and released "provided no hearings are necessary, except on urgent matters."

"Service of writs and other court processes on urgent matters within the GCQ areas shall proceed," the issuance states.

The raffling of cases will also resume in GCQ areas starting May 4 and will be attended only by members of the raffle committee.

Meetings and other functions are still not allowed except those authorized by Peralta or the Judiciary Task Force on COVID-19.

Only people with official business in the courts will be allowed entry, and they are required to follow health and hygiene practices while in the premises.

Several provinces in low and moderate risk for the spread of COVID-19 will be placed under GCQ starting May 1. The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), a stricter measure, will remain in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and other high-risk areas until May 15.

In ECQ areas, the courts will remain physically closed and accessible only by phone or online, with judges and court staff only reporting to the courts to act on urgent matters. — RSJ, GMA News